UP strengthens transportation infrastructure in Illinois, Iowa

Union Pacific will strengthen transportation infrastructure in Illinois and Iowa by investing nearly $27 million in the rail line between Manlius and Edelstein, Ill., and the rail line between Boone and Denison, Iowa.

The nearly $17-million Illinois project, funded entirely by UP, began July 10 and is scheduled to be completed by the end of August. The railroad will install nearly 34 miles of new rail, replace two switches and renew the surfaces at 37 crossings.

The nearly $10-million Iowa project, which includes replacing 46,500 concrete railroad ties and is also funded entirely by UP, began July 3 and is scheduled to be completed by early September.

The projects are two of nearly 1,500 UP will complete across its 32,000-mile network this year to help improve train operating efficiency, reduce motorist wait times at crossings and enhance safety.